Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh talks to offensive line Ben Bredeson at a timeout during the second half against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan kicker Jake Moody (2) kicks an extra point from the hold of Will Hart against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson adjusts his helmet on the sideline before going on the field during the second half against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan tight end Zach Gentry (83) is being carried off the field due to an injury during the second half against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh looks down at his notes during a timeout in the second half against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

Michigan linebacker Devin Bush is carried off the field with a hip injury during the second half against Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press

This was supposed to be the year, right? This was supposed to be the game that cemented Jim Harbaugh’s legacy in Ann Arbor and set U-M on the path back to righteousness. Not to mention the Big Ten championship game in Indianapolis next Saturday.

Well, forget all of that.

This was a catastrophe, both in scope and tenor.

Not just in the score — OSU 62, U-M 39 — but in the physical and psychological domination Urban Meyer unloaded on Harbaugh.

If not now, when? If Harbaugh — who is now 0-4 against Meyer — couldn’t beat him this year, when will he?

The Buckeyes were faster, angrier, sharper, and better prepared, just a week removed from a near-disastrous performance at Maryland.

Speed kills

For at least the last month, the Buckeyes have looked shaky, which is an odd thing to say about a team that had lost just once. But you know what got lost in the narrative that Ohio State was struggling while Michigan was rampaging?

Speed.

Ohio State still has more of it than anyone else in the Big Ten, especially on offense.

Meyer has the speediest best group of receivers he’s had since he won the title four years ago. He’s got a running back — J.K. Dobbins — faster than anyone on U-M's roster. He’s got a halfback/all-purpose sort in Parris Campbell Jr., who is just as quick.

The senior speedster took a handoff early in the fourth quarter, sprinted to the corner, turned up field and raced 78 yards for a touchdown. The gap between Campbell and U-M's defender grew as he ran.

It's a gap Harbaugh has yet to close. He'll have to in order to catch Ohio State.

The Buckeyes have owned this rivalry for many reasons over the last decade and a half. The difference in speed is right at the top.